Kerala to strengthen surveillance at airports for new Covid-19 variant Omicron

Mangalore Today News Network / News18

Thiruvanantapuram, Nov 27, 2021: In the wake of the new Covid-19 variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) reported abroad, the Kerala health department has issued a caution. Health Minister Veena George said that Kerala has taken steps as per the guidelines of the Central government.

 

In a press release, the Minister said, “Surveillance will be strengthened in all airports. Currently, there is no reason for concern but everyone should strictly follow the Covid guidelines. Everyone should use masks and sanitisers and maintain social distancing. Those who have not yet vaccinated should vaccinate at the earliest."

The health department also held review meetings to strengthen preventive measures.

According to the central guidelines, all passengers arriving in India must undergo an RTPCR test within 72 hours and upload it in the Airsuvidha portal. Passengers coming from foreign countries mentioned in the central guidelines will be closely monitored. Those coming from these countries have to undergo the RTPCR test at the airports again. More facilities to conduct RTPCR tests are being set up in all airports.

They must be strictly quarantined for 7 seven days and the RTPCR test should be taken after that. In addition, suspected samples of passengers from these countries will be sent for testing for the mutant strain, said Veena George.